Testosterone is a man's hormone, right?
There are three main hormones we think of as women's sex hormones. Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone. Yes, testosterone is primarily thought of as a male hormone as it plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics. However, it's important to note that testosterone is also present in females, although in much lower amounts. For us ladies, testosterone plays several important roles in maintaining overall health.
Testosterone for Women
Key Functions
Libido and Sexual Function: Testosterone contributes to a woman's libido (sex drive) and overall sexual function. It plays a role in maintaining healthy sexual desire and arousal.
Bone Health: Testosterone helps maintain bone density in both men and women. Adequate levels of testosterone are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Muscle Mass and Strength: Testosterone contributes to the development and maintenance of muscle mass and strength. Women with lower testosterone levels may experience decreased muscle tone and strength.
Mood and Well-Being: Testosterone can influence mood and energy levels. Low testosterone levels in women have been associated with symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and mood swings.
Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that testosterone may play a role in cognitive function, including aspects of memory and spatial ability. However, the relationship between testosterone and cognitive function is complex and not fully understood.
Ovarian Function: The ovaries produce small amounts of testosterone, contributing to overall hormonal balance in women. Testosterone levels can vary throughout the menstrual cycle.
Support for Estrogen: Testosterone can have a modulating effect on estrogen's actions in the female body. Maintaining a balance between estrogen and testosterone is important for reproductive and overall health.
Hormone Replacement Therapy - Testosterone
For reasons stated above, many doctors when prescribing hormone replacement therapy may include testosterone as part of the therapy.
Even though testosterone has been shown to be likely safe in clinical trials lasting about two years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved its use in women. The problem is a lack of data and uncertainty regarding testosterone’s long-term safety in women. The main concerns relate to the risks of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. Therefore, in the U.S., testosterone therapy for women is used as an off-label medication. Doctors can legally prescribe medications off-label. The term “off-label” is used when a drug has scientific evidence to support its use for a condition but is not specifically FDA approved for that condition, at that dose or in that form.
When testosterone is prescribed as part of a Hormone Replacement Therapy, it's typical for it be about 1/10 of the dose they would give a man. There are multiple ways to receive testosterone treatment. It is best administered on the skin because it has fewer adverse effects, especially on the liver or cholesterol. The different formulations include creams, patches and injections. The common conscientious is to avoid testosterone in pill form.
Hormone Replacement Therapy with and without Testosterone
If you are at a point where you are convinced you want to start HRT or maybe you're still in the curious and research phase, you'll find some providers and online telehealth clinics offer testosterone as part of the therapy and some do not. See Trusted HRT Providers here.
HRT without Testosterone
I've done overviews and blogs on all I believe, of the online, telehealth Hormone Replacement Companies. Alloy and Evernow do not incorporate testosterone as part of their Hormone Replacement Therapies.
Winona's creators don't prescribe to the idea of prescribing drugs for "off label use" so they offer DHEA pills to help support your body's production of Testosterone after menopause. I wrote a full blog on this, click here.
Joi HRT with Testosterone
Joi Women's Wellness does offer Testosterone as part of their Hormone Replacement Therapy options. As a matter of fact, I'm currently on Joi's HRT and I am taking testosterone injections. I can see more muscle definition and definitely feel stronger than I have in a very long time. Read my full review here.
I also think both my sexual desire and satisfaction have improved. I also contribute the satisfaction level to vaginal estrogen cream. It's known to help improve the muscles down south along with the needed additional moisture. I'm grateful for both of those improvements!
Testosterone Levels in Women
Before women start testosterone therapy, their health care providers should check baseline testosterone levels to make sure that they are not high to begin with. While on testosterone therapy, women should have testosterone levels checked once every six months. The idea behind checking testosterone levels is not to target a certain testosterone level for treatment effectiveness, but rather to make sure that testosterone levels in women don’t get too high.
When levels are too high, women may experience:
Hair growth on the upper lip, face, chest, nipples, and lower abdomen Thinning of scalp hair acne/oily skin
Shrinking breast size or irregular clitoris size as a result of increased muscle mass and redistributed body fat
Irregular menstrual cycles, if menstruating
Anger, aggression, or hostility, which may lead to depression Hoarseness or deepening of voice
Pregnant women should never take testosterone as it could cause fetus to develop male traits.
Testosterone Replacement and Semaglutide
I am also a big fan and true proponent of combining HRT for long term health and Semaglutide for optimal metabolic health and to assist with the needed weight loss that I was looking for. HRT was a step in the right direction to lose that menopause weight, but when I added Semagltuide, it was exactly what I needed to get to my fighting weight and body composition!
Will testosterone improve my libido?
As we enter into our menopause years, levels of progesterone and estrogen go down. Testosterone declines due to age more so and isn't a result of menopause. Since one of testosterone's biggest roles is in regulating libido, if your level is low, it's not surprising that a decreased sex drive might be impacting you.
If you've been struggling with low sex drive, testosterone may be the culprit. Increasing it can have an incredibly positive effect on your sex life, in terms of both sexual desire and sexual satisfaction.
So, to answer if it will improve your libido? To some extent, yes -- but it's not the end all, be all.
There are multiple factors that impact our sexual desire as women. It's a physical, relationship and mood thing. Not any one of these alone can cure sexual dysfunction. For women, the desire and ability to have sex is more than just applying some testosterone cream or slapping on a patch. Your mind, body and soul all need to be on the same page.
Testosterone Side Effects in Females
The risks are minimal if your healthcare provider tests every six-months to ensure your levels don't get too high. If you begin to notice any of the noted characteristics of high-levels, report that to your doctor or healthcare provider.
Most "side effects" are all very positive. It can help regulate mood, improve muscle mass and support brain function when it comes to learning and memory. It's commonly known to increase sexual desire, sexual pleasure and improve women's orgasms. You probably won't find yourself chasing your partner around the bedroom, but rather more accepting to the idea of intimacy.
Put the items of your choice in your cart, apply the code, check out then wait for Joi to reach with next steps.
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